Your Child's First Orthodontic Checkup

No Later than Age Seven

As a parent, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. Start with regular dental care. The American Dental Association recommends that a child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday, while baby (primary) teeth are emerging. Your dentist can alert you to any concerns about how the teeth and jaws are developing. But sometimes parents are the first to recognize a problem with the alignment of teeth and jaws.

All kids should get a checkup with an orthodontist no later than age seven.

To have a healthy smile that's good for life®, your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a checkup with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age seven. By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Putting off a checkup with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they're found early. A checkup no later than age seven gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. If early treatment is in order, the orthodontist may be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout your treatment or in the future, please consult your orthodontist or visit mylifemysmile.org.

“After my consultation, I am so excited to get my teeth taken care of here. I feel so comfortable and relaxed by how professional and friendly everyone is. Thank you for taking away the stress I have experienced with other orthodontists!”~ S.A.

“It was the outstanding staff in this office that keep me on track to accomplish treatment. I will never forget the patience and caring people that serve me. If I can accomplish straight teeth anybody can do it with this office.”~ L.K.

“We arrived 15 minutes early for our appointment. Instead of having to sit in the waiting room until the appointment time. The staff took my son in early and we were back headed to his school earlier than expected. Great customer service!”~ S.M.